January 07, 2026

Image: Roy Gesley

Dear Beloved Community,

This Sunday Roy Gesley will guide us in a unique, do-it-yourself Epiphany service that is designed to be participatory, reflective, and fun. It will be a DIY Epiphany Worship Experience. Together, we’ll begin with our shared understanding of Epiphany. During the service, we will be invited to offer key words and concepts that come to mind when you think of Epiphany. Jim will capture everyone’s contributions on a whiteboard in classic brainstorm style, and Roy will then weave a message in real time that incorporates the community’s words.

In other words: this week, the feedback comes first, and the message comes after. Come participate as we explore the divine mystery that is always present, and celebrate Epiphany Sunday in a creative, communal way.

Come and be part of the fun, and see you Sunday!

Peace and blessings!

-Jorge

P. S. January's Giving Sunday collection is for Abundant Grace Coastside Worker, helping the less fortunate on the coast. Their director and visionary, Eric DeBode, has been our guest preacher many times. Thanks for always being so generous with your gifts.

On the first Sunday of the month (the "Giving Sunday"), the whole plate goes to the designated nonprofit. Any other time during the month you can contribute by way of a check with the name of the nonprofit in the memo line.

Recent sermons

Check out our YouTube page to see recent sermons. Go to our archive of slides to see bulletins and slides used during recent services.

Recordings of our Taize services are also on the YouTube page.

Upcoming services and events

• Worship & Arts: Sunday, January 4, after worship. All are welcome to come help us plan worship for the new year.

  
  

• Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, January 8, 7pm on Zoom. The new book choice is "Guided" by Laura Lynne Jackson. We've read "The Light Between Us" and "Signs" both by Laura Lynne; this is her latest book. Read parts I and II for Jan 8.

  
  

• Taize Service: Friday, Jan 9, 7:30pm. Also on Zoom.

  
  

• Instant Choir: Sunday, Jan 18, 9am. Rehearse at 9, sing for the service.

  
  

• Church Council: Sunday, January 18, after worship

  
  

• Church Pot Luck: Sunday, January 25, after worship. Our monthly meal together.

  
  

• Book Group: Sunday, Jan 25, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Buddha, Socrates and Us" by Stephen Batchelor. Read Parts III and IV for the 25th.

  
  

• Worship & Arts: Sunday, February 01, after worship. All are welcome to come help us plan worship

Links and resources

Sanctuary People Resource List

Quote of the week

There's not that much there. There's just this simple, ordinary presence, and it is so unadorned. You can run right by it if you're looking for something fancy. It's always been here, it has no age, it doesn't really have any properties or qualities, it's just this intelligence. It's so quiet, that's why they call it silence.  -Pamela Wilson

Weekly events

• Meditation group: Wednesdays at 7:30 am. 

In person at the church building

• Sunday worship: 10 am

In person at the church building

• Church Office Hours: Thursdays 2:30pm-5:30pm, in person at the church building.

To schedule an appointment please call or text 510-754-6796 or email xicanominister@gmail.com.